Friends in the forest: Lincoln

By Brinna Barlow

A large part of novel scientific research is the collection of samples, which will eventually be converted into numbers for quantitative, data-driven analysis. Most of my career as an ecologist has focussed on sample-collection or “fieldwork”, whether that be for my own research, as a research assistant collecting samples for another researcher or working for a Non-Government Organisation. Often this work takes place in remote locations: secluded savannahs, remote rainforest, and other far-flung fields. Despite the isolation of locations, this is not isolating work. It’s important to have at least one teammate for safety, efficiency and (hopefully) for fun.  

In this series of blogs entitled “friends in the field” I would like to introduce some of the people who have made my research possible and to share their experience of what it means to do fieldwork in Hong Kong. 

In this first instalment I would like to introduce Lincoln, he was born and raised in Hong Kong and enjoys recreational hiking but doesn’t stray from the path. This was his first experience of fieldwork. 

So, was this your first day of ever doing ecological fieldwork?

Yes

And how was the experience?

Interesting, because I discovered something unusual, something not man made and saw some ancient man-made things as well.

What was the most interesting thing about today?

Discovering more of the forest, the places that I wouldn’t normally see.

What were your expectations for today when I told you that we were going on fieldwork?

I expected to see a different side of Hong Kong, maybe a hidden gem not yet discovered by most people and to gain knowledge about the life cycle and the ecosystem of the forest. 

Were your expectations met?

I did learn something about the life cycle of the forest, and we saw a waterfall I had never seen before so perhaps that is my hidden gem of the day. 

I am glad that you learned something and enjoyed the waterfall. The walk to that particular field-plot is my favourite of all of the plots so I am happy I could share that with you. 

Was there anything that stood out as something you did not expect? Perhaps something with the work or the forest or perhaps something that you surprised yourself with today?

I already knew that I would enter areas off the main trail, but I was surprised by the terraced area off the trail used for growing the tea [200 years ago] and the [abandoned] tombs there, it is interesting to see what Hong Kong had in the past. The history of Hong Kong forest is quite interesting.
Also, I didn’t expect that I would be on such a slippery slope. That’s something I wouldn’t do by myself. One more thing; I am actually quite afraid of insects. I think that if I was not wearing long sleeves or long trousers I wouldn’t enter [the forest]. I was quite afraid of touching the insects or spiders. 

I was interested in the tea terraces as well. The first time I went [to that plot] I took a much more convoluted route as I hadn’t found the path yet and I was interested to find the terraces.  I didn’t know what they were, and I looked up why there were there; that’s how I learnt about the history of the tea terraces and the graves that are there. I am glad you enjoyed that nugget of history. I am sorry that the steep slopes came as a surprise. Perhaps I should have better warned you. When I say “steep” I think maybe it doesn’t quite get the severity across. I should be clearer, that’s noted with thanks. Well done for being brave with the insects. Being covered up in the wild makes me feel more confident as well but I feel it’s the same on a normal hike; insects are inevitable.

The final question I have for today is this: how was the overall experience for you? What is your summary of today?

I basically ignored most of the insects today. In general, I would not touch so much the green stuff, but I did not care much today. I found the fieldwork exciting, challenging, and surprising. I didn’t expect it would be that steep, but it was a good challenge. I don’t mind the sliding; it was something new to me, a new experience. I think for most of the kids in Hong Kong, their parents wouldn’t encourage them to do something like this because it could be quite dangerous, but they could learn a lot [from doing it]. Sometimes, I think that if you get closer to the forest you can feel the power of nature. You could be part of nature; your smell, your senses could be enhanced. To get closer to nature you can smell and listen more. I feel like living in the urban area so long somehow, I feel like I lose some sense of smell, hearing, and taste. Today was also good training, to enhance my stamina. 

Thank you for that round-up. I think that’s a good place to leave it today. I think you’re right to say that being in nature can enhance your senses. Personally, I think being in nature connects with my sense of wellbeing. Also, you will never have more acute hearing that if you’re alone in a forest. Hopefully, more young people will be encouraged to get outdoors and learn about nature because that’s the way we’re going to learn to appreciate it. You can’t really value something if you don’t know anything about it. Thank you for coming along today I look forward to our next fieldwork session!